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Doctors can explain the risks of a procedure and make a recommendation, but the ultimate choice is up to the patient.

Fort Myers, FL (PRWEB)September 03, 2014

Protesters took to the streets to support a woman who says she was forced to give birth via C-section. Medical malpractice attorney Michael Steinger of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene says no medical provider has a right to force a patient’s hand in choosing a procedure.

Jennifer Goodall had three prior C-sections but wanted to have her most recent child via traditional vaginal birth, according to the Huffington Post (7/29/2014). But Goodall’s doctors at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte hospital recommended against it, and she says they ultimately threatened her with legal action if she insisted on the vaginal birth.

“There is absolutely no basis for threatening a patient with legal action,” Steinger said. “Doctors can explain the risks of a procedure and make a recommendation, but the ultimate choice is up to the patient.”

Steinger says even liability concerns don’t change that.

“If a doctor strongly disagrees with a patient’s choice, they can say so,” he said. “They don’t get to threaten pregnant women with lawsuits.”

Ultimately, Bayfront Health stood by its recommendation and Goodall consented to the C-section. But the issue struck a nerve, and dozens of protesters held signs outside the hospital demanding an end to “forced surgery.”

“The hospital hasn’t commented on the allegation that it threatened to sue Ms. Goodall,” Steinger said.

About Steinger, Iscoe & Greene:

Steinger, Iscoe & Greene is a proven legal team whose number one goal is to get injury victims throughout Florida and California every dollar they truly deserve for their injuries. Since 1997, the firm’s lawyers have successfully handled cases including: auto accidents, bicycle accidents, birth injuries and medical malpractice. The entire legal team is committed to representing and fighting for injury victims’ best interests, giving each client insight into Florida and California law and their rights.

Steinger, Iscoe & Greene is a legal team with more than 30 lawyers and 140 legal professionals. With offices throughout South Florida – Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Port St Lucie, Okeechobee, Ft Myers, Orlando and Tampa – and most recently in San Diego, California, the firm is ready to advocate for the best interests of injury victims coast-to-coast Steinger, Iscoe & Greene has recovered more than $500 million for their clients and offers the No Fee Guarantee®, which means “you don’t owe us any money unless we get money for you.”